: any of various devices for testing physical conditions (as at high altitudes, below the earth's surface, or inside the body)
Examples of sonde in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In addition to the jet — which is also equipped with Doppler radar to study wind — the program is launching other sondes, from a ship and a small atoll near the Equator.
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Henry Fountain, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2016
A brief whooshing noise was the only indication that a sonde had been released.
—Henry Fountain, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2016
Henry Fountain, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2016
A brief whooshing noise was the only indication that a sonde had been released.
—Henry Fountain, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2016
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sonde.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
French, literally, sounding line — more at sound entry 6
First Known Use
1940, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near sonde
Cite this Entry
“Sonde.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sonde. Accessed 29 Nov. 2023.
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